Henna

Henna is an herb which is known for its various medicinal benefits and this herb is also known by various other names such as mehendi, panwar, shudi, henna and so on. In fact henna is being used as a medicinal plant over the centuries on account of numerous benefits such as:

Cooling Agent: Henna is known to be an excellent cooling agent and hence it is applied to scrapes and burns. Henna is also used as a home remedy to lower the body temperature while suffering from a high fever or to treat heat exhaustion.

Skin Problems: The medicinal uses of henna also include it being used to treat various types of rashes such as ringworm as well as athletes foot and also acts as a sunblock. Since the leaves of the henna plant are astringent in nature they are also used against various skin diseases.

Henna for Hair: One of the key benefits of henna for hair is that it acts as a natural remedy for hair loss and is also excellent for maintaining overall hair quality. This is because the regular use of henna is known to seal and repair the hair cuticle which in turn prevents the breakage of hair and also helps in retaining the shine of the hair. Another one of the benefits of henna for hair is that its prevents premature hair fall as it helps in retaining the pH balance of the scalp and also acts as an effective natural cure against dryness, dandruff as well as premature graying of hair. Henna is also used for hair conditioning as its makes the hair silky and soft and nourishes them right from the root. In fact it is recommended that in order to maximize the benefit of henna for hair you should soak the henna in some fresh curds and then apply this mixture on your head. This serves a dual purpose as curd ensures that the hair does not dry out and it adds to the shine of the hair.

Henna for Nails: Henna is also known to be effective in treating cracking nails. This is possible via a home remedy of drinking the water in which the henna leaves have been soaked in overnight. This treatment should continue for at least 10 days for best results. The medicinal uses of henna for nails also includes mixing together some butter and henna powder and using it as a poultice to treat pus filled swellings, mange and scabies.

Liver disorder: Henna is considered to be a highly beneficial medicinal plant and hence the bark of the henna plant is known to be effective in the treatment of the enlargement of the liver as well as jaundice.

Headaches: Henna is also known to be effective against headaches that may have been caused on account of heat strokes. One of the home remedies for headaches involving henna involves crushing the whitish, pinkish flowers of the henna plant along with some vinegar and then applying this paste on your temples to get quick relief from a headache.

Besides the leaves the other beneficial parts of the henna plant are the bark, flowers as well as the seeds of the henna plant.

While using henna one should also be aware of the possible side effects which are more so in the use of black henna which is known to result in rashes, skin allergies and reactions. In some synthetic henna dyes for the hair, the manufacturer may mix some chemicals into the henna which may result in a negative reaction with the hair or scalp.

About Heena

History of Henna & Uses of Heena :

History of Henna :The earliest evidence to prove that henna was used to celebrate women's sexuality and fertility is the red hand patterns ornamenting fertility shrine walls from 7000 B.C.E., at Catal Huyuk in the 7th millennium BCE. The earliest civilizations that can be proved to have used henna include the Babylonians, Assyrians, Sumerians, Semites, Ugaritics and Canaanites.

There are many statuettes from Crete and Mycenae from the period 1700 BCE to 900 BCE that show goddesses synchronous with Anath, with raised hands that appear to be ornamented with henna.

Historical Period :Henna was used in Palestine from the earliest historical period, and there are Roman records of henna being used by Jewish people living in Jerusalem during the historical period of the birth of Christ. Henna was grown and used in Spain, by Christians and Moors from the 9th century AD to 1567 when it was outlawed by the Spanish Inquisition.

When Islam began in the 6-7th centuries AD, henna was incorporated into the customs of Muslims from the western Middle Eastern women's henna traditions that were widespread and long established.

Henna Botanical Description :The botanical name of henna is 'Lawsonia Intermis'. It is known by different names in various countries all over the world as heena, Al-Khanna, Al-henna, Egyptian Privet, Henne, Jamaica Mignonette, Mehndi, Mendee, Smooth Lawsonia.

Plant Description :It is a naturally occurring shrub that grows 3- 8 ft tall. The plant bears small yellow and white coloured flowers. Leaves, flowers and fruits are the used parts of the plant for manufacturing different products. It has been in use for a long time as a natural colorant for dyeing hair and applying beautiful designs on hands and feet.

The plant contains a naturally occurring coloring agent known as a hennotannic acid, this is so because the chemical property of the coloring agent resemble those of tannins.

Uses of Henna :

Used in medicines for its healing properties.

Used to decorate hands.

Used as a skin cleanser and healer.

Used for its cooling properties.

Used for hair as a natural colorant and conditioner.

Used as a part of wedding celebration to decorate the bride.

Used to stain the fingers of pharaohs before their mummification.

Used by people to be in touch with spirituality, as they made human more aware of the Earth's energies.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Henna Extracts

Abstract

Lawsonia inermis (henna plant) has been used in herbal medicine for ages. However, the medical benefits of this plant have been discussed in only a few publications. In this study, the antibacterial effects of water, alcoholic and oily extracts of Lawsonia inermis leaves against bacterial cultures isolated from various skin diseases were investigated and compared with Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin antibiotics. Cultures of Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis (Co-agulase negative staphylococci or CONS), ß-hemolytic streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa species were obtained from 74 (35 females, 39 males) patients with different skin infections who attended the Dermatology outpatient clinic in Basra General Hospital. The bacterial isolates were treated with L. inermis extracts in vitro. Alcoholic and oily extracts were more effective than the water extract which had no effects using standard method of NCCL, 2000.

Alcoholic extracts had the highest antibacterial activity with a MIC of 0.125-0.150 µg/ml against ß-hemolytic streptococci and against CONS was 0.125-175 µg/ml .Oily extracts had a MIC of 0.25-0.30 µg/ml against Staphylococcus epidermidis (cons). Both alcoholic and oily extracts had the same MIC (0.5 µg/ml) on Staphylococcus aureus. However, alcoholic extracts were more effective on Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC of 0.5-0.57 µg/ml than oily extract (MIC of 0.20-0.28 µg/ml). However, there were no statically differences between the effects of oily and alcoholic henna extracts (p= 0.050).

When comparing the extracts’ MICs with those of antibiotics, alcoholic extracts showed pronounced antibacterial effects against the isolated bacteria in vitro but oily extracts had much similar MICs to those of antibiotics and there are significant difference between effect of both extracts and antibiotics p>0.050.

Introduction

Henna or Hina (Lawsonia inermis, syn. L. alba) is a flowering plant, 2-6m in height. It is the sole species in the genus Lawsonia in the family Lythraceae.1 Henna, Lawsonia inermis, produces a burgundy dye molecule, lawsone.2 This molecule has an affinity for bonding with protein, and thus has been used to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. The dye molecule, lawsone, is primarily concentrated in the leaves. Products sold as "black henna" or "neutral henna" are not made from henna, but may be derived from indigo (in the plant Indigofera tinctoria) or Cassia obovata, and may contain unlisted dyes and chemicals.1

It is well known that plants have been used in traditional herbal medicine for many years.3 In some parts of the world, plants and herbs are still the prime medicines used in medical treatment.4-6 L. inermis is widely grown in various tropical regions in Asia, America and Africa. In Arabic, the word "henna" refers to L. inermis.5,7

The main uses of henna are as a cooling agent, astringent, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial herb for the skin and hair.8,9 It has also been used as a dye and preservative for hair, skin and fingernails as well as leather and clothes.8,9 Its core chemical components are 2-hydroxynapthoquinone (lawsone), mannite, tannic acid, mucilage and gallic acid. Out of these ingredients, the main one is 2-hydroxynapthoquinone (lawsone). About 0.5-1.5% of henna is made of lawsone. Its bioactive feature is thought to be due to its high protein binding capacity.2,9

The skin has a complex flora. Infections can result when there is a breakdown in the integrity of the skin or when the immune defense is compromised. Common skin infections include cellulitis, erysipelas, impetigo, folliculitis, and furuncles and carbuncles.10 Many types of bacteria have ability to produce skin infections. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of skin infections. It is frequently found in the nose and skin. About 20% of the population is long-term carriers of S. aureus.11 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of henna extracts in vitro and to compare them with Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Gentamicin, and Ciprofloxacin antibiotics.

Methods

Sampling

Bacterial isolates were obtained from 74 patients (39 males, 35 females) with different skin infections who attended the Dermatology out patient clinic at Basra General Hospital. Bacterial culturing and identification of bacterial species were done at the Department of Microbiology in the University of Basra using Colle J, et al method, 1996.12

Plant samples and extraction procedure

L. inermis were collected from private gardens in Abu Al-Khasib City in Basra. The leaves were left to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. The dried leaves were ground to a powder and were kept in dry containers. Three types of extract were prepared in the present study: oily, alcoholic and water-based extracts. The oil-based extract was prepared by mixing 50 gm of dried leaves powder of Lawsonia inermis with 500 mL of n-hexane for 24 hours. The solvent was then removed with a negative pressure to make 3 gm of oily henna extract. The alcoholic extract was prepared by mixing 25 gm of henna powder with 250 mL of 70% ethanol for 12 hours. This mixture was cooled and filtered by Buchner funnel and filter paper (Wattman No. 185). The solvent was dried and concentrated using Rotary evaporator at 50°C. Water-based henna extract was prepared in the same way except that distilled water was used instead of alcohol.

Studying the antibacterial activity of Henna extracts:

The antibacterial effects of henna extracts on four bacteria strains, namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis (coagulase–negative staphylococci (cons), ß-hemolytic streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied. These bacteria were isolated from patients who attended the Dermatology outpatient clinic in Basra General Hospital. This was done using Agar-well diffusion method.13

Note: One typical species from each bacterial skin infection was selected for the study. The total isolates were 5 for each bacteria study.

2. Comparing efficacy of henna extracts with antibiotics:

Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin antibiotics were used in this study to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of L. inermis (henna) extracts. Muller Hinton agar was used with different antibiotic concentrations (30 mcg) to measure the (MICs). Determination of MIC was carried out using Maki’s method, 1985.15

Results

Seventy four patients (39 males and 35 females) with various skin infections were involved in this study (Table 1). The studied skin infections were impetigo, carbuncles, furuncles, infected eczema and infected wounds. The isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, ß-hemolytic streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When measuring the antibacterial activity of henna extracts, alcoholic and oily extracts were more effective than the water based extract which had no effects. The standard method of NCCL were used, 200013 (Table 2).

Alcoholic extracts had the highest antibacterial activity with an MIC of 0.125-0.150 µg/mL against ß-hemolytic streptococci and against coagulase-negative staphylococci was 0.125-175 µg/mL. Oily extracts had an MIC of 0.25-0.30 µg/mL against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Both alcoholic and oily extracts had the same MIC (0.5 µg/mL) on Staphylococcus aureus. However, alcoholic extracts had more effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC of 0.5-0.57 µg/ml than oily extract 0.20-0.28 µg/ml. However, there was no statistical difference with p value ³ 0.05 (Table 3). When comparing the extracts’ MICs with those of antibiotics, alcoholic extracts showed pronounced antibacterial effects against the isolated bacteria in vitro but oily extracts had much similar MICs to those of antibiotics with a statistically significant difference between the effect of extracts and antibiotic p<0.050 (Table 4).

Discussion

Henna has many traditional and commercial uses, the most common being as a dye for hair, skin and fingernails, as a dye and preservative for leather and cloth, and as an anti-fungal. Henna body art is made by applying henna paste to the skin: the lawsone in the paste migrates into the outermost layer of the skin and makes a red-brown stain. Some pastes have been found to include: silver nitrate, carmine, pyrogallol, disperse orange dye, and chromium. These have been found to cause allergic reactions, chronic inflammatory reactions, or late-onset allergic reactions to hairdressing products and textile dyes.16-18

Henna contains Lawsone in about 0.5 to 1.5% of its ingredients. Lawsone (2-hydroxynapthoquinone) is the principal constituent responsible for the dyeing properties of the plant. However, henna also contains mannite, tannic acid, mucilage and gallic acid.2,9 These substances are present in henna in the form of a mixture. Antimicrobial activity may be due to numerous free hydroxyls that have the capability to combine with the carbohydrates and proteins in the bacterial cell wall. They may get attached to enzyme sites rendering them inactive.2 Water extracts did not show any antibacterial activity compared to alcoholic and oily extracts. This may be due to the lack of the solvent properties which plays an important role in antibacterial efficacy.9

The alcoholic extract showed the lowest MICs compared to other types of extracts and this may be due to the large quantity of active substances that were precipitated during the extraction process due to the effect of Hexane solvent itself.5 When compared with antibiotics, alcoholic henna extracts showed more antimicrobial activity while oily extract had similar antibacterial activity compared to those of antibiotic. We concluded that henna has an in-vitro antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains. These findings have also been mentioned in literatures.5-7

Conclusion

Henna leaf extracts have antimicrobial activity on the bacteria responsible for the common skin infections. Alcoholic and oily henna extracts have similar effects to some of the antibiotics commonly used in clinical practice.

Henna (الحناء)

Botanical name

Lawsonia inermis

Description

The Henna plant is an evergreen shrub about 6m (20ft) high by 6m (20ft) wide. It has small cream fragrant flowers and grows in tropical grasslands mainly in Africa and Southern Asia, and originated in Egypt. The Henna leaves have no odour even when crushed between the fingers. The flower is small and delicate with four petals, ranging from red, yellow, white and pink. They are sweet and alluring in smell, a combination of the scent of jasmine, rose and mignonette. The plant itself grows on a shrub [plant that dies back to roots in the autumn, grows new shoots in spring and lives for more than 2 growing seasons) , with several, permanent woody stems (but no trunk). It grows from ground level and is usually smaller than a tree] with small bright green leaves and a thorny bark. When mixed with clay, earth and chalk, powdered Henna releases a powerful smell.

Evidence from the Sunnah

There are many ahadeeth in relation to Henna. Amongst them are:

Umm Salma (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “Allah’s Messenger (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon Him), never suffered from a wound or a thorn without applying henna to it.” [Reported by Imam Trimidi (with a hasan isnaad) and Imam al Baihaqi in their sahih]

“Whenever somebody came to Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon him,) with complaints of headache, he directed him to undergo cupping and whosoever complained of pain in the legs, was advised to apply Henna.” (Narrated in Sunan Abee Dawud)

Narrated AbuDharr: The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon him) said: The best things with which grey hair are changed are henna and katam.

Medical Uses

There are many medicinal properties of Henna. The following illustrates the benefits of henna:

Cooling affect – it reduces the body temperature

Used as a coagulator for open wounds

A poultice (soft mask used for inflammation of the skin) made with Henna soothes burns and certain eczema

Relaxing – when applied to the palms which contain numerous nerve endings, henna relaxes the body

Antiperspirant – when made into a plaster and applied to areas of the body it causes tightening of the pores, this also results in antibacterial characteristics in that it reduces bad odour

Reduces headaches when applied mixed with vinegar to the head

Application

The branches of the shrub are broken and the leaves are dried in the sun. They are then grounded to a fine powder ready for use.

Henna powder mixed with a mildly acidic liquid (lemon juice, or strong tea) is a cause for the release of lawsone molecules. This gives the powder (now paste) the property of dying. With a combination of selected essential oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus, this improves skin staining.

Henna mixed with vinegar and applied to the head is used as a remedy for reducing headaches.

Four drops of henna essential oil with four teaspoons of water creates a room fragrance.

The Henna blossom (faghya) is known to be one of the best kinds of perfume – it is mild in its hotness and dryness. The scholar Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya mentions that it is used in ointments against facial paralysis and aneurysm (dilation of a portion of the wall of an artery). Its oil helps the organs and relaxes the nerves. Henna plays a partial role in some headaches – such as those caused by fever, and help to soothe them some what. The paste also soothes the nerves when used as a bandage for hot tumors and inflammations. It is also useful in treating burns.

When chewed Henna helps treat cancers and thrush that appear in the mouth. It can also heal stoma Titus (inflammation of the mucus membrane) that appears in a child’s mouth. Henna as a bandage has the same affect on hot tumors as does the dragon’s tree to open sores.

Constituents

Henna possesses many special qualities, among them the following:

Lawsone

Mucilage

Tannic acid

Glucose

Quinone

Resin

Mannite

Decomposing due to its warm watery essence

Constipating due to the cold earthly essence it contains

Antiperspirant agents due to the tightening of the pores

Cooling astringency (coolant) for the body

Antibacterial in that it prevents bad odour from eminating from the body when applied correctly

Coagulator

Cautions

According to one study carried out by Kent State University (2004), any child diagnosed with G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, an inherited condition) must not have henna applied. The application of Henna can cause severe anaemia in G6PD deficient infants. This can occur by the Henna penetrating the thin, fragile skin causing oxidative haemolysis of their blood cells. It can cause jaundice within 24 hours, lethargy and vomiting necessitating immediate medical attention. Therefore it is advised that henna should not be applied to individuals who are G6PD deficient especially infants. Please note that G6PD deficient men are twice as likely to have a negative reaction by the application of Henna than women; and this could be one of the wisdoms behind why in Islam Henna is recommended only for women and not for men and Allah knows best.

Henna plant (scientifically known as Lawsonia Inermis) is well known for long time in the Arab and Muslims world, extensively grown in India and Sudan and used mainly for cosmetic purposes.

Over the last many years I have used Henna as medicine after I read the Hadith about it that the Prophet (PUH) ordered any one who has been pricked by a thorn or has an ulcer on his leg to put Henna on it.

After many years of experience I came to call it the Magic Plant

And in the following paragraphs I will explain why:

1-It has a great healing effect, it contain many healing substances like Tannine and other Glue like substances.

2-It has anti microbial effect especially anti-viral effect.

HENNA USES

BURNS

Henna when applied to a burn area first or second degree it gives very good results;

-Decrease pain.

-Decrease fluid loss from the burn site, this is important if the burn area is large.

-It look to have anti-microbial effect, it decrease infection.

-Stick to the burned site until healing is complete.

-Easy to apply to the burned site as paste or powdered.

-Cheap and available.

2-HEALING PROPERTIES

Henna promote wound healing especially chronic wounds and ulcers, I have used it on nuropathic ulcers of the foot and proved to be very effective. The main factor that promotes healing is not known but I think it has this effect by its nourishing effect on the wound and its anti-microbial properties. If the wound is infected antibiotic cover usually needed.

3-ANTI-HAEMOORAGIC

I used henna for treatment of Epistaxis, and it prove very effective, and give a long lasting cure. And dose not need to be applied more than once most of the times, the powdered stick to the bleeding area until it healed, it work better than cauterization , which is most of the times need to be repeated and still can not guarantee that recurrence of the bleed is not going to occurs.

ANTERIOR NOSE BLEED (from little area): treated by applying the powdered to bleeding spot ,using a ready made ear cleaning stick with its cotton covered end ,and pack the powder to the site of the bleeder ,that will stop the bleeding , rarely it need to be repeated again and that is really Magic way of treatment for epistaxis.

POSTERIOR NOSE BLEED: Which is very difficult to treat as every ENT doctor knows, with this Henna powder just ask the patient to sniff the powder through the anterior nostril to make it reach the back of the nose or posterior nostril and by this action the powder will stick to the bleeding area and the bleeding will stop, no more we need to use posterior nose pack which is a nightmare for the patient and the doctor at the same time.

The only side effect of Henna here is , it causes the patient to sneeze a little.

The anti-bleeding effect of Henna could be used at other sights like bleeding duodenal ulcer or esophageal varices . This needs to be tried as far as there are no side effect known.

This anti-bleeding effect may be due to its coagulation like effect or its locally burning effect.

4-ANTI-VIRAL

Henna definitely has an anti-viral effect, that became clear by its action on;

1-warts; we have tried it many times especially on these warts which are resistant to cryo (Nitrogen liquid) treatment and prove effective, one giant wart measuring 1.5x1.5cm on a child thumb which was resistant to all forms of treatment, at last the child referred to the plastic surgeon for operation, we tried Henna on it, applied every other day over night and in few weeks it disappeared completely . The Dermatologist nurse has a wart on her finger for more than two years which was resistant to liquid nitrogen treatment , we asked her to use henna and got cured.

We found it very useful especially on multiple wars.

On warts Henna applied as paste.

2-Herpes Simplex:

This the second proven and successful effect of Henna on viral infections. We applied it as powdered to herpes site, we noticed:

-It dried the vesicles at the site early.

-Prevent ulceration and crust formation.

-Prevent secondary infection.

Henna applied on herpes as powdered.

This anti-viral effect of Henna is very promising , and should be explored further, It could used as treatment for AIDS . It is natural ,cheap, and it look to have no side effect even when taken by oral route.

We have prepared Henna in capsules now at home and used it as a prophylaxis against Flu during last Haj and we think it helped, As we did not get the infection while most people got Haj Flu which is usually a severe one. But this too early to be sure about and need more trails.

5-OTHER USES OF HENNA:

Henna can be used as a prophylaxis especially to protect diabetic patients feet, I routinely now advise my diabetic patients to use henna at least once a month because:

It help to heals fissures and cracks in the foot and reduce foot infection.

It improve the skin texture, which look healthier and softer.

It may delay the nuropathic effect of diabetes, In fact it may reverse the early ones, This need more time to prove.

Henna is sometimes applied directly to the affected area for dandruff, eczema, scabies, fungal infections, and wounds.

In manufacturing, henna is used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and hair care products; and as a dye for nails, hands, and clothing.

People also use henna on the skin as temporary “tattoos.”

How does it work?

Henna contains substances that might help fight certain infections. There is also some information that henna might decrease the growth of tumors, prevent or reduce spasms, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain.

Henna seems to be safe for most adults when used on the skin or hair. It can cause some side effects such as inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) including redness, itching, burning, swelling, scaling, broken skin, blisters, and scarring of the skin. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur such as hives, runny nose, wheezing, and asthma.

Henna is considered to be UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Accidentally swallowing henna requires prompt medical attention. It can cause stomach upset and other side effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Children: Henna is considered UNSAFE for use in children, especially in infants. There have been cases of serious side effects when henna was applied to the skin of infants.

Infants with a condition called glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at especially high risk. Putting henna on the skin of these infants can cause their red blood cells to burst.

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to take henna by mouth if you are pregnant. There is some evidence that it might cause a miscarriage. It’s also UNSAFE to take henna if you are breast-feeding.

Moderate Interaction: Be cautious with this combination

Lithium interacts with HENNA

Henna might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking henna might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

The appropriate dose of henna depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for henna. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

PROPHET'S MEDICINE

Dr. M. Laiq Ahmed Khan

The Henna plant is not only extensively grown throughout India, but cultivated as well. It is planted as hedges around houses, buildings and sometimes fields. It is two-meter long when fully grown and emission of a typical fragrance is also noted during nights. It is cultivated throughout India. For ages. The Mehndi of Faridabad is very much popular and liked by the users. The different parts of the plant viz. leaves, stems, flowers and fruits are being used for cosmetic as well as medicinal purposes.

Hazrat Umme Salma (R) narrates: “In the life of Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh), no injury or thorn piercing was treated on which Henna was not applied.” (Tirmizi, Sanad-e-Ahmed)

“Whenever somebody came to Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) with complaints of headache, he directed him to undergo cupping and whosoever complained of pain in legs, was advised to apply Henna.” (Bukhari, Abu Dawood)

In another narration Henna was prescribed for headache also Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates: Nabi-e-Akram (Pbuh) said that Jews and Christians did not use Khizab, you oppose that.

The same verse is narrated by other narrators in Nisai and Tirmizi.

Osman bin Abdullah Ibn Mohib narrates: “My family sent me to Ummul Momineen, Hazrat Salma (R), with a bowl of water (the narrator of this Hadith, Israil closed his three fingers and said the bowl was of silver). A few holy hairs of Prophet (Pbuh) were there in the bowl. If some one fell ill with evil sight or with any other ailment would send the water in a bowl to Umme-e-Salma. She would dip the plate in it. I looked into the water and found that the colour of the Prophet’s hair was red.” (Bukhari)

Jahzma (R) the wife of Bashir Bin Khasasia (R) narrates “I saw Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) coming out of the house. He was coming after taking bath, therefore, he was shaking his hairs. The colour of Henna was visible on his head.” (Tirmizi)

Wasila (R) narrates that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said “Use Henna, it makes your head lustrous, cleanses your hearts, increases the sexual vigour and will be witness in your graves”

Abi Rafai narrates, “I was present before Prophet (Pbuh). Passing his hand over his head he said that the head of all dyes was Henna which ganeaglow to the face and increased the sexual vigour.” (Abu Naim)

The scholars of Hadith paid a great attention towards its use keeping in view the repeated sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).

Mohaddis Abdul Latif Baghdadi says that its red colour is very attractive and its colour and smell is a nerve stimulant. The fact is well understood in today’s scenario, from the impact of colour and odour on personality and physiology.

Mohd. Ahmed Zahbi says that there are three essential factors for healing

Expulsion of fluids from the wounds

Cessation of production of any more fluids

Formation of healthy flesh (granulation tissue) to fill the gap.

Henna contains all these three factors and possesses very good healing properties. If Mehndi leaves are soaked in water throughout the night and this decanted water, if taken in morning for 40 days, is effective in leprosy and heals the wounds.

Hafiz Ibu al Qayyim in the light of his experiences describes it a good healing agent for burns. Its gargles are beneficial in stomatitis and all ulcers of tongue, cheeks and lips. Its local application has soothing effects on acute inflammations and hot abscesses. Henna levels’ extract in oil mixed with natural wax and oil of rose, if applied locally in conditions of backache, is highly effective.

It is a clinically tested fact that if Mehndi leaves paste is applied on the soles of the patients of small pox and chicken pox, the eyes remain unaffected with the disease and besides become dry very soon.

Dry leaves of Henna if kept in clothes, serve the purpose of insect repellant.

If the paste of Henna is applied on nails, the lustre of the nails increases and if applied on feet and soles, is effective in burning feet syndrome.

If the nails become disfigured after getting fungal infection, it is advisable to use Henna with vinegar to restore it to normalcy. The paste of Henna is very effective in Burns and scalds. It heals the boils of scalp if applied with Roghan-e-Zaitoon.

The physicians of Unani Medicine describe it as a good blood purifier. Hakim Ajmal Khan once used the paste of Henna on the palms of a female patient who was suffering from Menorrhagia and she got cured. Headache from heat is cured by inhaling the scent of its flowers.

The oil prepared from olive oil and leaves of Henna is very much effective in muscular rigidity. If Henna leaves are soaked in a sufficient quantity of water and kept throughout the night and the decanted water is taken in morning it is effective in Jaundice and Splenomegaly.

TRADITIONAL, MEDICINAL USES OF HENNA PLANT

Henna or Mehandi is a medicinal plant. Its bark and seeds are used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicines. Henna is a middle-sized shrub with many branches. It yields small white or pinkish fragrant flowers in large terminal bunches and small round fruits. This fascinating plant known world-wide for the beautiful colouring dye used by the orientals to colour their hands and body.

Henna oil is used during medicinal treatment of wide range of ailment ranging from headache to leprosy and other skin disorders. As a medicinal plant henna is used as an astringent, anti-hemorrhagic intestinal anti-neoplastic, cardio-inhibitory, hypotensive, and a sedative. The Henna extracts exihibit antibacterial, antifungal, and ultraviolet light screening activity.

The oil of its flower relieves muscular pains, while its seeds are used in deodorants and to regulate menstruation. Henna oil induce sleep, cure headaches and bruises. The bark is also used to treat symptoms of jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Henna oil can be applied to the skin to treat eczema, scabies, fungal infections and burns.

Medicinal Benefits of Henna oil / seeds

Arthritis: Henna oil is used for rheumatic and arthritic pains. Ground leaves are applied to sore flints to ease rheumatism. The juice of the medicinal plant can be applied to the skin for headaches, and the henna oil is applied to hair to prevent it from graying.

Dysentery: The bark of the plant is very effective in the treatment of dysentery. The seeds are powdered, mixed with ghee and rolled into small balls and then taken with water.

Liver Disorders: The bark of the plant is very effective in the treatment of liver disorders like Jaundice and enlargement of the liver. Henna can be consumed in the form of powder from 1 to 5 decigrams doses or it can be taken in decoction from 30 to 50 grams doses to cure liver disorders.

Baldness: Using mustard oil boiled with Henna leaves promotes healthy hair growth. 250 grams of mustard oil is boiled in a pan. Some 50 to 60 grams of Henna leaves are added gradually to the oil and heated. The oil is then filtered through a cloth and stored in a bottle. Regular massage with this oil produces abundant hair.

Prickly Heat: Henna leaves are beneficial in the treatment of prickly heat. The leaves ground with water are applied over the affected area.

Headaches: Henna flowers cure headaches caused by the heat of the sun. A plaster made of Henna, flowers in vinegar and applied over forehead relieves the headaches.

Skin Disease: Henna leaves are very effective in the treatment of skin disorders like boils & burns. Coarsely ground Henna leaves applied to the affected parts cures the disorders. It can be applied beneficially in rheumatic joints, inflammatory swelling, bruises & leprosy. The Ayurvedic system uses thy henna leaves to treat vitiligo (pale patches on the skin where pigment is lost). And the seeds are also used to fever. Henna contains natural ingredients which are vital for nourishment of hair. It has a bond with the hair structure as it serves to penetrate, cleanse and thicken the hair shafts thus improving its quality. It also has great dandruff fighting ability. Henna is mainly used as a colouring agent. It is mixed with other natural dyes and is largely used as a hair dye and in textiles. The henna oil obtained form its flower is used in perfumery. In India, Henna paste is applied to decorate palms & heels on special occasions. Especially in marriages the bride’s palms & legs are decorated with Henna paste as a customary ritual.

Powers of Henna Plant

Applied henna powder to decorate feet and hands for its cooling properties

Henna powder with water mixed as part of marriage rituals for decorating the bride

Henna used in medications for its healing properties as a skin healer and cleanser

It is used to hair as a natural conditioner and colorant and stain the fingers of pharaohs before their mummification

Applied henna by persons to be in compliance with religion because it makes the individual more conscious of the Earth’s energies.